The Everything Dinosaur Evolution interview with Extinct Fine Art explores the story behind our exciting model range. Everything Dinosaur’s Mike joined interviewer Karim Zanaty for an in-depth conversation. The discussion examines the origins of Everything Dinosaur and the development of the company’s Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex. In addition, Mike explains how science, art and manufacturing combine to create highly detailed prehistoric animal figures.

The Everything Dinosaur Evolution Interview

More than twenty years ago, Mike and Sue founded Everything Dinosaur. Their aim was to supply accurate prehistoric animal models while helping to educate and inspire. Since then, Everything Dinosaur has grown and evolved. However, a passion for palaeontology and scientifically accurate prehistoric animal models remains at the heart of the company.

Everything Dinosaur Evolution represents an important new chapter in this story. Karim Zanaty of Extinct Fine Art invited Mike to discuss the project and its development. The hour-long conversation provides a fascinating insight into the work behind the models.

Watch the Everything Dinosaur Evolution interview on YouTube:

Video credit: Karim Zanaty (Extinct Fine Art)

Creating the Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex

The first Everything Dinosaur Evolution figure depicts Tyrannosaurus rex in 1:33 scale. However, creating the model involved much more than producing a sculpture of this famous theropod. For example, the project took three years to complete. Furthermore, Everything Dinosaur brought together a palaeontologist, a palaeo-reconstruction artist and other specialists. Each team member contributed their knowledge and expertise.

Fossil evidence played a fundamental role in the design process. Consequently, the team could make informed decisions about the appearance and proportions of the animal. We try to follow the fossil evidence when making dinosaur models.

The image shows some of the 3D iterations of the 1:33 scale Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the Everything Dinosaur Evolution 1:33 scale T. rex figure: Everything Dinosaur Evolution Figures.

The project demonstrates how palaeontology can influence the creation of a prehistoric animal figure.

Palaeontology, Palaeoart and Teamwork

During the interview, Mike discusses the creative process behind Everything Dinosaur Evolution. Producing a scientifically informed reconstruction requires collaboration. Therefore, specialists from several disciplines contributed to the project. The team examined the available fossil evidence. Renowned palaeo-reconstruction artist Bob Nicholls and award-winning digital designer Glen Southern helped translate this information into a three-dimensional reconstruction.

However, scientific accuracy under the supervision of Dr Dean Lomax was not the only consideration. The finished figure also had to work as a high-quality collectable. This combination of science, artistry and manufacturing expertise helped shape the final model.

Mike and the 1:33 scale Everything Dinosaur Evolution T. rex being interviewed. Picture credit: Karim Zanaty (Extinct Fine Art).

Picture credit: Karim Zanaty (Extinct Fine Art)

Inspiring and Educating

Everything Dinosaur has always tried to combine enthusiasm for prehistoric life with education.  In addition, Mike and Sue try to encourage artists. The Everything Dinosaur Blog plays an important role in this work. It provides information about new fossil discoveries, palaeontological research and prehistoric animals.  Blog posts also highlight palaeoart and other creative efforts from dinosaur fans.

Similarly, accurate models can help communicate scientific ideas.

A carefully researched figure can encourage someone to investigate the animal it represents. Furthermore, models can stimulate conversations about anatomy, evolution and the fossil record. The Everything Dinosaur Evolution Tyrannosaurus rex builds upon these principles.

What Comes Next for Everything Dinosaur Evolution?

The interview also looks towards the future.

Mike and Karim discuss the inspiration behind the project and where Everything Dinosaur is heading. Moreover, the conversation explores the ambition behind the Evolution range. Creating the first figure represented a significant milestone. Nevertheless, it was only the beginning.

Praising the artwork displayed in the Extinct Fine Art gallery, Mike stated:

“Some amazing artwork was highlighted by Karim prior to my interview.  Sue and I are proud to be part of such a creative community. Everything Dinosaur Evolution continues to develop as new prehistoric animal figures are researched and created. Our project brings together science, creativity and a passion for palaeontology. Above all, it reflects Everything Dinosaur’s commitment to producing remarkable prehistoric animal models for collectors.”

Watch the full Everything Dinosaur Evolution interview with Karim Zanaty of Extinct Fine Art on YouTube: Palaeontology and Palaeoart Connected – Video Interview.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Museum Quality Prehistoric Animal Figures.